Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X

This morning, Apple updated Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, and Compressor 4. According to Apple’s website, here are the changes.

Final Cut Pro X — What’s New in Version 10.1.2

• Optimized, proxy, and rendered media can be stored at any location outside of the library
• Easily delete optimized, proxy, and rendered media from within Final Cut Pro X
• Used media indicators for Compound clips, Multicam clips, and Synced clips
• Option to show only unused media in the Browser
• Apply a standard (Rec. 709) look in real time to high dynamic range and wide color gamut video from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, and Sony cameras
• Automatically apply an ARRI embedded 3D LUT from the new AMIRA camera
• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• Improved speed and accuracy when synchronizing clips
• Audio recording improvements including countdown and automatic Audition creation from multiple takes
• Fast export of cuts-only projects containing XDCAM media
• Export entire library as a single XML file
• Selecting a library displays key metadata in the Inspector
• Adjust relative and absolute volume of a clip or range selection
• Create Keywords from Finder Tags when importing media
• Option to sort events by date or name in the Libraries list
• Import a clip by dragging directly into the Browser
• Share 4K video to Vimeo

Motion — What’s New in Version 5.1.1

• • Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• • Improved Sequence Text behavior for animating characters, words, and lines
• • Enhanced Contrast filter parameters for refined adjustments

Compressor – What’s New in Version 4.1.2

• Support for Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
• Better performance when working with large batches
• Status display and improved responsiveness when using “Send to Compressor” from Final Cut Pro X and Motion
• Improved performance and color accuracy when encoding H.264 source files from GoPro cameras
• Fixes issues transcoding alpha channels in image sequences
• Includes general stability improvements

The new features that I am especially struck by are the ability, in FCP X, are its improved media management. Of all the complaints I’m hearing currently about Final Cut, media management and file linking are at the top. This new update seems to address that issue.

The Motion changes essentially keep it in parity with Final Cut Pro X.

While the new changes in Compressor, especially fixing color saturation issues in compressed files and improved stability, address some ongoing concerns.

I have not yet installed the new software. The standard rules apply: don’t upgrade if you are in the middle of a project, unless your current project is not working.

The new ProRes 4444 XQ codec is worth learning more about. Here’s an article I wrote that explains this in more detail.

As always, let me know what you think.

Larry